Actual vs. Potential
Difference Between Actual and Potential
Actualadjective
relating to a person's acts or deeds; active, practical
Potentialnoun
Currently unrealized ability (with the most common adposition being to)
Even from a young age it was clear that she had the potential to become a great musician.Actualadjective
Existing in reality, not just potentially; really acted or acting; occurring in fact.
the actual cost of goods;the actual case under discussionThe actual government expenses dramatically exceed the budget.Potentialnoun
(physics) The gravitational potential: the radial (irrotational, static) component of a gravitational field, also known as the Newtonian potential or the gravitoelectric field.
Actualadjective
in action at the time being; now existing; current
Potentialnoun
(physics) The work (energy) required to move a reference particle from a reference location to a specified location in the presence of a force field, for example to bring a unit positive electric charge from an infinite distance to a specified point against an electric field.
Actualadjective
Used as intensifier to emphasise a following noun; exact, very.
Potentialnoun
(grammar) A verbal construction or form stating something is possible or probable.
Actualnoun
an actual, real one; notably:
Potentialnoun
the inherent capacity for coming into being
Actualnoun
(finance) something actually received; real receipts, as distinct from estimated ones.
Potentialnoun
the difference in electrical charge between two points in a circuit expressed in volts
Actualnoun
(military) a radio callsign modifier that specifies the commanding officer of the unit or asset denoted by the remainder of the callsign and not the officer's assistant or other designee.
Bravo Six Actual, this is Charlie One. Come in, over. (The radio operator is requesting to speak to the commander of the unit under the call sign "Bravo Six.")Potentialadjective
existing in possibility;
a potential problempossible uses of nuclear powerActualadjective
presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible;
the predicted temperature and the actual temperature were markedly differentactual and imagined conditionsPotentialadjective
expected to become or be; in prospect;
potential clientsexpected incomeActualadjective
taking place in reality; not pretended or imitated;
we saw the actual wedding on televisionfilmed the actual beatingActualadjective
being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something;
her actual motivea literal solitude like a deserta genuine dilemmaActualadjective
of the nature of fact; having actual existence;
rocks and trees...the actual worldactual heroismthe actual things that produced the emotion you experiencedActualadjective
existing in fact whether with lawful authority or not;
de facto segregation is as real as segration imposed by lawa de facto state of warActualadjective
being or existing at the present moment;
the ship's actual position is 22 miles due south of Key West
